Unable to assign 4 CPU cores to a VM on VMware ESXi version 6.5.0 build 4887370, you are limited to 2 CPU cores, per socket.

Products

• VMware vSphere ESXi

Issue/Introduction

Symptoms:

• Unable to assign 4 CPU cores to a VM on VMware ESXi version 6.5.0 build 4887370,  you are limited to 2 CPU cores per socket.
• The only way to assign  4 CPU cores is by using 2 cores per socket. 

Cause

The host is taking the minimum socket as maximum as result you would not be able to increase the socket.

<vmw:CoresPerSocket ovf:required="false">2</vmw:CoresPerSocket>

Resolution

The issue is resolved with VMware ESXi version 6.5.0 update01 build 5969303.
 
As a workaround, the OVA file can be modified to allow a higher number of cores. See the following example of what is changed in the OVA file.

Old Entry:

        <vmw:CoresPerSocket ovf:required="false">2</vmw:CoresPerSocket>

New Entry :

        <vmw:CoresPerSocket ovf:required="false">16</vmw:CoresPerSoc

Additional Information

Impact/Risks:
Unable to assign more CPU's per socket on the virtual machine which has been deployed by the ova.